Fish Border Pressure Point: Lu 10 Location, Benefits & How to Use

The Fish Border pressure point (Lu 10) is a well-recognized acupressure point on the Lung meridian, traditionally categorized as the Ying-Spring point. Found at the base of the thumb on the palm side of the hand, it plays a key role in clearing Lung heat and addressing conditions affecting the throat, chest, and upper respiratory tract. Lu 10 is widely used in therapeutic and clinical acupressure settings for acute inflammation and respiratory distress.

Summary Table

AttributeDetails
Pressure Point NameLu 10 – Fish Border
Body AreaHand
Exact LocationPalm side of hand at base of thumb
Common UsesRelieves shallow breathing, swollen throat
Stimulation TechniquePress into center of thumb pad for 1 min
ContraindicationsAvoid on broken skin or in case of acute local inflammation

Clinical Significance & Associated Conditions

The Fish Border pressure point is indicated for conditions involving:

  • Swollen or sore throat, particularly from viral or bacterial causes
  • Shallow, rapid breathing, commonly due to emotional distress or heat in the Lungs
  • Hoarseness or voice fatigue, especially in public speakers or singers
  • Red, inflamed tonsils, or burning sensation in the upper chest
  • Tightness at the base of the thumb or pain from overuse

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Lu 10 clears heat from the Lung channel, benefits the throat, and regulates energy flow along the arm.

Location

Lu 10 is located on the thenar eminence, or the fleshy pad at the base of the thumb, on the palm side of the hand.
To locate:

  • Look at the palm of your hand
  • Identify the midpoint between the thumb metacarpal bone and the base of the thumb
  • The point lies in the depression between the thenar muscle and the first metacarpal bone when the thumb is slightly flexed

This point is commonly featured in hand meridian charts and is easily accessible for self-treatment.

Black line drawing of Lu 10 Fish Border pressure point on palm at thumb base, used to relieve sore throat and shallow breathing

How to Stimulate It

To activate the Fish Border pressure point:

  • Technique: Use your opposite thumb or index finger to press into the fleshy pad at the base of the thumb
  • Direction: Apply firm, direct pressure toward the center of the muscle
  • Duration: Hold for 1 minute, with steady breath
  • Frequency: Use up to 2–3 times daily, especially during sore throat onset or respiratory fatigue
  • Posture: Seated or lying down with hand supported for comfort

Massage may also be performed in gentle circular motions to further release tension.

Benefits and Common Uses

Lu 10 is used for:

  • Soothing sore throats and inflamed tonsils
  • Improving respiratory depth and clearing heat from the upper chest
  • Easing tightness or pain in the thumb base, especially in individuals who type, grip, or text often
  • Cooling internal heat, manifesting as fever, dryness, or irritability
  • Supporting emotional release, especially from tension associated with short breath or speech fatigue

In TCM, Lu 10 is a powerful point for dispersing excess heat and rebalancing Lung Qi, particularly in the early stages of throat or respiratory infections.

Physiological Functions & Mechanisms

Anatomically, Lu 10 lies over:

  • The thenar muscle group, including abductor pollicis brevis
  • Close to branches of the median nerve
  • Near superficial digital vessels supplying the palm and thumb

Stimulation of Lu 10 may:

  • Promote neuromuscular relaxation of the hand and forearm
  • Enhance blood flow to the upper limb and base of the thumb
  • Support parasympathetic activation, helping to calm inflammation
  • Regulate sensory nerve response contributing to vocal function and breathing coordination

Practitioner Insight

In my experience, this point is especially helpful in the early stages of throat irritation or when emotional stress causes short, shallow breathing. It responds quickly to focused pressure and often brings instant relief in both the hand and respiratory passages.

Safety & Contraindications

Avoid stimulation if:

  • The skin at the base of the thumb is cut, bruised, or infected
  • There is acute inflammation in the thenar region
  • The patient has nerve sensitivity or tingling in the hand (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome)

Use moderate pressure and avoid over-stimulation in sensitive individuals. Refer to the acupressure safety guide for more details.
As always, listen to your body and stop if discomfort arises.

Related Points & Techniques

Lu 10 is often used with:

Complementary techniques:

  • Gargling with salt water before or after pressure for throat relief
  • Cool compresses across the throat during flare-ups
  • Steam inhalation to enhance respiratory tract clearing

Scientific Perspective

While specific research on Lu 10 is limited, broader studies on hand acupoints show:

  • Reduction in sore throat severity when combined with vocal rest and hydration
  • Modulation of respiratory rate and pulse through palm-side stimulation
  • Local effects on thenar muscular performance and nerve activation
    These suggest plausible mechanisms for Lu 10’s application in early-stage respiratory and throat complaints (PubMed).

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